Bagels are having a moment in South Florida. Not all bagels, however, are created equal. For many, the true measure of a bagel is in the chew and toothsomeness of a New York bagel.
Max Ayoub and his partner Gus Lange know how difficult is is to find a great New York style bagel in West Palm Beach, so they’re opening 212 Bagel Co. at 527 Clematis Street to bring that authentic experience to South Florida.
Ayoub, who’s originally from New York, said he was having trouble finding an authentic New York bagel in South Florida. “I started in Miami and drove up the coast and honestly couldn’t find one, so I figured why not do it myself?” Ayoub, who has bagel-making experience from his time at Baked Brooklyn, and his partner decided to take matters into their own hands.
When it opens in Summer 2026, 212 Bagel Co. will offer traditional kettle-boiled bagels. And, if you’re thinking that the key to a New York bagel is the water, you might be on to something. Ayoub didn’t want to give away trade secrets, but he did say they’re sourcing the closest thing to New York tap water for bagel-making. The bagels will be offered in plain and seeded– including poppy, everything, salt, and sesame. Bagels can be dressed with schmears of butter, cream cheese, and scallion cream cheese. Bagel sandwiches, including a classic New York bacon, egg, and cheese, will also be served. “The idea is to not complicate the menu and let the bagel shine,” says Ayoub.
Since 212 Bagel Co. will be open right in the center of Downtown West Palm Beach’s thriving scene, the restaurant will be open some evenings, as well. In the future, Ayoub says he hopes 212 Bagel Co. will expand to selling its baked good to hotels and cafes — with the option of more locations down the coast of South Florida.
